City of Toronto leads the way with mentoring recruitment program

TORONTO, Nov. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Members of the Toronto Public Service and Toronto residents were recognized this evening for their participation in the City of Toronto's annual Profession to Profession Mentoring Immigrants Program.

"With Toronto being one of the most diverse cities in the world, it is important that we continue to provide accessible and equitable programs and services to Toronto residents," said Councillor Ana Bailão (Ward 18 Davenport). By providing a valuable mentorship experience to highly educated newcomers, we are breaking down barriers that skilled immigrants face and are helping to build an inclusive society."

The City of Toronto was one of five corporate partners recognized in the past for its leadership in mentor recruitment. More than 860 skilled immigrants have been mentored by City staff since the program began in 2004.

"I want to commend members of the Toronto Public Service for their dedication and commitment to this important program," said City Manager Joe Pennachetti. "As an employer, we are committed to reflecting the diversity of the communities we serve at all levels of the workforce, and to achieving a positive workplace based on equity and human rights principles and practices."

The Profession to Profession Mentoring Immigrants Program is a joint initiative with the Mentoring Partnership, a Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) program, and delivered with 13 community partners. The community partners are organizations that provide employment services and/or bridging programs to skilled immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area, and coach each mentee and mentor throughout their partnership. Experienced members of the Toronto Public Service are matched with skilled immigrants from the same occupation for a four month period. Mentors support their mentee in understanding the Canadian context of their profession and workplace culture, sharing information on their industry and occupation and developing their professional networks and job search strategies.

"The City of Toronto has been a strong supporter of the Mentoring Partnership since the beginning," said Joan Atlin, Interim Executive Director at the TRIEC. "The program has been shown to be a successful strategy to help skilled immigrants find meaningful employment - 70 per cent of mentees find jobs in their field within six months of their partnership. The City has been an invaluable part of that success."

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SOURCE: City of Toronto

Media contact: Juanita Christmas, Strategic Communications, 416-392-7346, [email protected]
www.toronto.ca